New Delhi: Air travel at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport was thrown into chaos as dense fog combined with severe air pollution led to the cancellation of 228 flights, while nearly 400 others were delayed, severely disrupting operations. Visibility plunged to as low as 50 metres, bringing flight movements to a near standstill and leaving thousands of passengers stranded for hours.
According to airport authorities, the disruptions affected both domestic and international flights, with major routes to cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Lucknow witnessing significant delays. Several international departures and arrivals were also impacted, causing cascading delays throughout the day. Passengers reported long waiting times, repeated rescheduling and limited information amid rapidly changing weather conditions.
Severe Air Quality Worsens the Situation
The crisis was compounded by alarmingly high pollution levels, with Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) slipping into the ‘Severe’ category. The thick smog formed by a mix of pollutants and fog drastically reduced visibility, forcing the airport to operate under low-visibility procedures. Officials warned that flight operations could remain affected over the next few days if weather conditions do not improve.
VVIP Flights Also Impacted
The poor visibility did not spare flights carrying prominent personalities. Flights associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and global football icon Lionel Messi were reportedly delayed due to the adverse conditions, highlighting the extent of the disruption. Airport officials reiterated that safety remains the top priority and that delays and cancellations were unavoidable under such circumstances.
Passengers Face Major Inconvenience
Thousands of travellers were left stranded inside airport terminals, with many missing connecting flights and appointments. Social media was flooded with complaints from passengers citing overcrowding, lack of timely updates and exhaustion due to prolonged delays. Airlines advised travellers to check flight status before heading to the airport and to remain in touch with carriers for rebooking or refund options.
Supreme Court Steps In, Schools Shift Online
The worsening pollution crisis has triggered concern at the highest levels. The Supreme Court has taken note of Delhi’s hazardous air quality, urging authorities to take urgent corrective measures. In response, the Delhi government has shifted classes from nursery to Class V to online mode until air quality improves, aiming to protect young children from the harmful effects of toxic air.
Outlook Remains Uncertain
Meteorological officials warned that dense fog conditions may persist, especially during early morning and late-night hours, potentially affecting air and rail traffic further. Authorities have advised passengers to plan journeys carefully and stay updated on weather advisories.
As Delhi continues to battle a combination of severe pollution and adverse weather, both travellers and residents remain braced for further disruptions in the coming days.
